Rapallo in 1 Day for Couples - Private wooden boat charter with The Green Boat
In Collaboration with The Green Boat. Updated on February 3, 2026.
A relaxed, romantic full-day private cruise aboard a classic wooden boat to discover Rapallo, Santa Margherita, Portofino, the Faro, San Fruttuoso and Camogli. Sunbathing, swims and a private onboard aperitif make this an intimate way to experience the Riviera.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with The Green Boat, inspired by the tour ESCURSIONE PRIVATA IN BARCA A PORTOFINO. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private wooden boat charter with The Green Boat
- Piazzetta di Portofino and Faro di Portofino views
- Abbazia di San Fruttuoso and seaside swim + snorkeling
- Cliffs and sunset-ready moments at Punta Chiappa
- Picturesque Camogli palazzata and seaside stroll
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day private cruise (meet in Rapallo) — scenic coastal stops, swims, and a romantic onboard aperitif.
Meet at the quay — Molo Duca degli Abruzzi, Rapallo
Arrival and check-in with the crew. Final briefing, lifejackets, and quick refreshment before boarding.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 15–30 minutes early to roll luggage bags easily along the quayside and choose a preferred seat on board.
- Bring your passports (required) and a small dry bag for wallets/phones — crew can store valuables below deck.
- Wear non-marking shoes for boarding; for a romantic photo, bring a lightweight shawl for the sea breeze.
Departure: Scenic cruise from Rapallo toward Santa Margherita Ligure
Settle on deck and enjoy the coastal panorama — olive groves, colored houses and first aperitif served.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the skipper for the quieter side of the boat for best photo angles of the coastline and intimate seating.
- Have your camera ready for low-angle portraits of your partner with the coastline as a backdrop — golden light is lovely even before sunset.
- If you prefer shade, request the forward canopy; otherwise the bow is perfect for sunbathing together.
Short stop / pass-by: Porto Turistico / Molo Maloncello — Santa Margherita Ligure
A gentle pass-by or short mooring at Santa Margherita for photos and a brief stroll if you wish.
Tips from local experts:
- If you step ashore, stroll a few minutes along the marina for pastel facades and a quiet café — a quick glass of local Vermentino is very romantic.
- The marina is compact — stick together and keep phones in a safe pocket; the crew can hold small items while you walk.
- Couples can ask the crew for a short photo-op at the stern with the harbor as a backdrop — it frames well for social photos.
Portofino: Piazzetta visit & leisure time
Approach Portofino's famous harbor; time to moor (subject to availability), stroll the Piazzetta, or linger on board and watch the harbor life.
Tips from local experts:
- If you go ashore, take the narrow alleys up behind the piazzetta for a quiet viewpoint — perfect for a couple's selfie away from the crowds.
- Consider splitting time: 20–30 minutes ashore for gelato/cappuccino and the rest soaking the harbor views from the boat for privacy.
- Portofino can be busy; request the skipper to position the boat for a private harbor-front view and a champagne toast before you disembark.
Photo-pass: Faro di Portofino (lighthouse) — panoramic cruise-by
Slow cruise around the headland for sweeping views of the lighthouse perched over the sea.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the captain to do a slow circle for a framed lighthouse shot — it’s one of Portofino’s most cinematic scenes.
- Stand on the aft rail for dramatic cliffline photos; be mindful of spray and hold a partner’s hand for steady shots.
- Bring polarised sunglasses to reduce glare when shooting across the water and to admire the varying blue-green tones.
San Fruttuoso: Anchored stop — Abbazia di San Fruttuoso & swim/snorkel + onboard picnic
Anchored in the secluded bay for a swim/snorkel session and a romantic onboard picnic or light lunch (lunch not included — arrange ahead or opt to buy locally if disembarking). Optional short walk to the abbey for a cultural moment.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrange a simple onboard picnic with the crew (cheese, focaccia, chilled Prosecco) for a private romantic moment — ask for a blanket on deck.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and the included snorkeling set; swim together to the shallower rocks for colorful fish and calm snorkeling.
- If you want to visit the abbey, take quick shoes and a light jacket for the short shore walk; the abbey courtyard makes a peaceful photo spot for couples.
Punta Chiappa: Cliff views and optional swim/snorkel
Cruise along to Punta Chiappa — dramatic cliffs, crystalline water and a chance for a more secluded swim or cliff-jump viewing (no forced jumps).
Tips from local experts:
- Punta Chiappa is rugged and romantic — choose a calm-water swim spot recommended by the skipper for privacy.
- Keep swims short together if you prefer intimate moments; the skipper will anchor where the water is calmest and clearest.
- Wear water shoes if you plan to step onto rock ledges; they make moving around easier and more comfortable.
Camogli: Quick quay stop — stroll the palazzata and a gelato
Short mooring for a walk along Camogli's famous colorful palaces and a seaside gelato or espresso — ideal for a relaxed couple's wander.
Tips from local experts:
- Walk hand-in-hand along the seafront palazzata (Piazza Colombo area) for classic coastal photos and a quiet bench to watch fishing boats.
- Try a local gelateria (ask the crew for their favourite) — sit close together on the low harbor wall for an iconic couple's photo.
- If you prefer a sit-down snack, ask the skipper to recommend a small family-run café on the square rather than touristy waterfront spots.
Return cruise to Rapallo — relaxed sailing back, golden-hour possibilities
Leisurely return to Rapallo with music, a final aperitif onboard and time to watch the coastline pass as the day winds down.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a final onboard toast (Prosecco or local wine) to mark your special day — coordinate with the crew beforehand.
- Sit aft for unobstructed views as the coastline softens in late afternoon light; bring a lightweight wrap as temperatures can drop on the water.
- If you'd like a romantic photo, ask the skipper to stop briefly in a calm bay on the return for a sunset-style portrait (subject to timing and conditions).
Disembark in Rapallo — trip end
Thank the crew and disembark at the quay in Rapallo. Crew will help with luggage and local recommendations for evening plans.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a small tip ready for the crew if service was special — it’s customary and appreciated for private charters.
- If you’re staying locally, ask the crew for a recommended seaside restaurant in Rapallo for a romantic dinner (book ahead in high season).
- Collect any rented snorkeling gear or towels from the crew and confirm transport arrangements if you requested drop-off elsewhere.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Experience, Neighborhood, Attraction, Culture, Outdoor |